Dispenser system for liquid crystal display panel and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A dispenser system for a liquid crystal display panel includes a table to overturn a substrate having at least one image display part on a first surface of the overturned substrate, and at least one syringe system to supply sealant onto a first surface of the overturned substrate to form a seal pattern along outer edges of the image display part on the first surface of the overturned substrate, wherein the at least one syringe system moves along horizontal directions.

The present invention claims the benefit of Korean Patent ApplicationNo. P2002-072 101 filed in Korea on Nov. 19, 2002, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dispensing system and a method usinga dispensing system, and more particularly, to a dispenser system for aliquid crystal display panel and a method of using a dispensing system.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, a liquid crystal display panel is used to display imagesaccording to data signals supplied to individual liquid crystal cellsarranged in a matrix configuration, wherein light transmittance of theindividual liquid crystal cells is controlled to display the image.Accordingly, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices include a liquidcrystal display panel where a driver integrated circuit (IC) drives theindividual liquid crystal cells.

The liquid crystal display panel includes a color filter substrate and athin film transistor array substrate attached to each other, wherein aliquid crystal layer in disposed between the color filter substrate andthe thin film transistor array substrate. In addition, the thin filmtransistor array substrate includes data lines and gate lines tointersect at right angles, thereby defining liquid crystal cells atevery intersection of the data lines and gate lines. The data linestransmit data signals supplied from a data driver integrated circuit tothe individual liquid crystal cells, and the gate lines transmit scansignals supplied from the gate driver integrated circuit to theindividual liquid crystal cells. Data pads and gate pads are provided atdistal end portions of each of the data and gate lines, respectively, tosupply data signals and scan signals from the data driver integratedcircuit and the gate driver integrated circuit to the data and gatelines, respectively. The gate driver integrated circuit sequentiallysupplies the scan signals to the gate lines so that the individualliquid crystal cells arranged in the matrix configuration can besequentially selected on a line-by-line basis. Similarly, a data driverintegrated circuit supplies the data signals to the data lines so thatselected ones of the individual liquid crystal cells arranged in thematrix configuration can be provided with the data signals.

A common electrode and a pixel electrode are formed along inner surfacesof the color filter substrate and the thin film transistor arraysubstrate, respectively, thereby supplying an electric field to theliquid crystal layer. The pixel electrode is formed at each of theindividual liquid crystal cells on the thin film transistor arraysubstrate, whereas the common electrode is integrally formed along anentire surface of the color filter substrate. Thus, by controllingvoltages supplied to the pixel electrode and the common electrode, lighttransmittance of the individual liquid crystal cells can be individuallycontrolled. In order to control the voltage supplied to the pixelelectrode, a thin film transistor, which is commonly used as a switchingdevice, is formed at each of the individual liquid crystal cells.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liquid crystal display panel according to therelated art. In FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display panel 100 includes animage display part 113 where individual liquid crystal cells arearranged in a matrix configuration, a gate pad part 114 connected togate lines of the image display part 113, and a data pad part 115connected to data lines of the image display part 113. The gate pad part114 and the data pad part 115 are formed along edge regions of a thinfilm transistor array substrate 101 that does not overlap with a colorfilter substrate 102. The gate pad part 114 supplies scan signals from agate driver integrated circuit (not shown) to the gate lines of theimage display part 113, and the data pad part 115 supplies imageinformation from the data driver integrated circuit (not shown) to thedata lines of the image display part 113.

The data lines and the gate lines are provided on the thin filmtransistor array substrate 101 to intersect each other, wherein a thinfilm transistor for switching the liquid crystal cells is provided atthe intersection of the data lines and the gate lines. In addition, apixel electrode for driving the individual liquid crystal cells isconnected to the thin film transistor provided on the thin filmtransistor array substrate 101, and a passivation film for protectingthe pixel electrode and the thin film transistor is formed along anentire surface of the thin film transistor array substrate 101.

Color filters are separately coated at cell regions defined by a blackmatrix formed on the color filter substrate 102. In addition, a commontransparent electrode is provided on the color filter substrate 102.

A cell gap is formed by spacers disposed between the thin filmtransistor array substrate 101 and the color filter substrate 102, andthe thin film transistor array substrate 101 and the color filtersubstrate 102 are attached together using a seal pattern 116 formedalong an outer edge of the image display part 113, wherein a cell gap isformed by spacers disposed between the thin film transistor arraysubstrate 101 and the color filter substrate 102.

During fabrication of the liquid crystal display panel, a process forsimultaneous formation of a plurality of unit liquid crystal displaypanels on a single glass substrate is commonly used. Accordingly, theprocess requires dividing the plurality of unit liquid crystal displaypanels formed on the single glass substrate using a cutting process toproduce a plurality of individual liquid crystal display panels. Next,liquid crystal material is injected through a liquid crystal injectionopening of each of the individual liquid crystal display panels to forma liquid crystal layer within the cell-gap that separates the thin filmtransistor array substrate 101 and the color filter substrate 102. Then,the liquid crystal injection openings are sealed.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic plan and cross sectional views of aprocess for formation of a seal pattern according to the related art. InFIGS. 2A and 2B, a screen printing method includes patterning a screenmask 206 so that a plurality of seal pattern forming regions areselectively exposed, and selectively supplying a sealant 203 to thesubstrate 200 through a screen mask 206 using a rubber squeegee 208 tosimultaneously form a plurality of seal patterns 216A˜216F. Theplurality of seal patterns 216A˜216F formed on the substrate 200 providea gap into which a liquid crystal layer is formed, and prevent leakageof the liquid crystal material to an exterior of the plurality of sealpatterns 216A˜216F. Accordingly, the plurality of seal patterns216A˜216F are formed along outer edges of the image display parts213A˜213F of the substrate 200, and a plurality of liquid crystalinjection openings 204A˜204F are formed at each one side of the sealpatterns 216A˜216F.

The screen printing method includes applying the sealant 203 on thescreen mask 206 with the seal pattern forming regions patterned thereon,forming the plurality of seal patterns 216A˜216F on the substrate 200through printing with the rubber squeegee 208, and evaporating a solventcontained in the seal patterns 216A˜216F and leveling them. The screenprinting method is advantageous because of its convenience, but it isdisadvantageous because of excessive consumption of the sealant 203since the sealant 203 is applied along an entire surface of the screenmask 206 and printed using the rubber squeegee 208 to simultaneouslyform the plurality of seal patterns 216A˜216F. In addition, the screenprinting method is problematic since a rubbing process of an orientationfilm (not shown) formed on the substrate 200 is altered as the screenmask 206 and the substrate 200 contact each other, thereby degradingimage quality of the liquid crystal display device. Thus, a sealdispensing method has been proposed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a seal pattern according to therelated art. In FIG. 3, a seal dispensing method includes forming aplurality of seal patterns 316A˜316F along outer edges of a plurality ofimage display parts 313A˜313F formed on a substrate 300 by applying acertain pressure to syringes 301A˜301C filled with a sealant as a table310 moves along forward/backward and left/right directions. Accordingly,the plurality of seal patterns 316A˜316F are sequentially formed assingle lines around the image display parts 313A˜313F. During the sealdispensing method, since the sealant is selectively supplied to regionswhere the seal patterns 316A˜316F are to be formed, sealant consumptionmay be reduced. In addition, since the syringes 301A˜301C do not contactan orientation film (not shown) of the image display part 313 of thesubstrate 300, the alignment of the rubbed orientation film would not bedamaged and image quality of the liquid crystal display device may beimproved.

In order to form the seal patterns 316A˜316F, the table 210 may be fixedand the syringes 301A˜301C may be horizontally moved along theforward/backward and left/right directions around the image displayparts 313A˜313F. Accordingly, a certain pressure is applied to thesyringes 301A˜301C filled with the sealant to dispense the sealant ontothe substrate 300, and the syringes 301A˜301C are moved along theforward/backward and left/right directions. However, foreign materialgenerated from moving the syringes 301A˜301C may be deposited onto theimage display parts 313A˜313C, thereby contaminating the liquid crystaldisplay panel. Thus, in order to avoid contamination, the syringes301A˜301C remain fixed and the table 310 is moved along theforward/backward and left/right directions.

However, keeping the syringes 301A˜301C fixed and moving the table 310may be problematic. As an overall size of the liquid crystal displaypanel is enlarged, a corresponding area of the substrate 300 forfabricating the large-scale liquid crystal display panel increases.Thus, in order to form the seal patterns 316A˜316F on the substrate 300,a driving distance of the table 310 is doubled in accordance with ashort side of the substrate 300. Accordingly, if a length of the shortside of the substrate 300 is doubled, then the driving distance of thetable 310 is increased by at least a factor of four. Therefore, if thearea of the substrate 300 is increased, the dispenser occupies morespace, thereby degrading clean room efficiency. In addition, since thetable 310 is moved horizontally along forward/backward and left/rightdirections, a total time for forming the plurality of seal patterns316A˜316F increases, thereby degrading productivity and efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a dispenser system forliquid crystal display panels and method of using a dispenser system forliquid crystal display panels that substantially obviates one or more ofthe problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide to a dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel for increasing productivity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of usinga dispenser system for a liquid crystal display panel for increasingproductivity.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof as well as the appended claims.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a dispensersystem for a liquid crystal display panel includes a table to overturn asubstrate having at least one image display part on a first surface ofthe overturned substrate, and at least one syringe system to supplysealant onto a first surface of the overturned substrate to form a sealpattern along outer edges of the image display part on the first surfaceof the overturned substrate, wherein the at least one syringe systemmoves along horizontal directions.

In another aspect, a dispenser system for a liquid crystal display panelincludes a table to load, fix, and vertically align a substrate havingat least one image display part formed on a first surface of thesubstrate, and at least one syringe system to supply sealant onto thefirst surface of the vertically-aligned substrate to form a seal patternalong outer edges of the at least one image display part, wherein the atleast one syringe system moves along a vertical directionrelative to aposition of the substrate.

In another aspect, a method of using a dispenser system for a liquidcrystal display panel includes loading and fixing a substrate on atable, overturning the table and the substrate, and supplying sealantfrom the dispenser system onto a first surface of the overturnedsubstrate to form at least one seal pattern.

In another aspect, a method of using a dispenser system for a liquidcrystal display panel includes loading and fixing a substrate on atable, rotating the table to vertically align the substrate, andsupplying sealant from the dispenser system onto a first surface of thevertically-aligned substrate to form at least one seal pattern.

In another aspect, a method of dispensing sealant for a liquid crystaldisplay panel includes loading and fixing a substrate on a table,overturning the table and the substrate, and supplying sealant from adispenser system onto a first surface of the overturned substrate toform at least one seal pattern.

In another aspect, a method of dispensing sealant for a liquid crystaldisplay panel includes loading and fixing a substrate on a table,vertically aligning the substrate, and supplying sealant from adispenser system onto a first surface of the vertically-alignedsubstrate to form at least one seal pattern.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liquid crystal display panel according to therelated art;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic plan and cross sectional views of aprocess for formation of a seal pattern according to the related art;

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a seal pattern according to therelated art;

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of an exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of using a dispensersystem using the dispenser system of FIG. 4 according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention;and

FIGS. 9A to 9D are perspective schematic views of an exemplary method ofusing a dispensing system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the illustrated embodiments ofthe present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of an exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention.In FIG. 4, a dispenser system may include a plurality of syringes401A˜401C for supplying a sealant along outer edges of image displayparts 413A˜413F of an overturned substrate 400 using a plurality ofnozzles 402A˜402C provided at end portions of the syringes 401A˜401C toform a plurality of seal patterns 416A˜416F. Accordingly, table 410 mayremain fixed while the syringes 401A˜401C may move along horizontaldirections to form the plurality of seal patterns 416A˜416F. In FIG. 4,the table 410 may be first loaded with the substrate 400, wherein theplurality of image display parts 413A˜413F may have been previouslyformed thereon. The substrate 400 may be a large-scale first glasssubstrate formed upon which a plurality of thin film transistors mayhave been previously fabricated, or a large-scale second glass substrateupon which a plurality of color filters may have previously fabricated.

The syringes 401A˜401C may be provided to correspond to a total numberto the image display parts 413A˜413F formed on the substrate 400,thereby simultaneously forming the plurality of seal patterns 416A˜416Falong the outer edges of the image display parts 413A˜413F. For example,if the image display parts formed on the substrate 400 have a matrixconfiguration including an M-number of lines and an N-number of columns,a matrix array of syringes may be provided to have an M-number of linesyringes and an N-number of column syringes to provide sealant aroundthe M×N matrix of image display parts formed on the substrate 400.Alternatively, the syringes may be provided to correspond to at leastone line or at least one column of the image display parts having theM×N matrix configuration. In addition, the syringes may be drivensimultaneously, may be driven individually, or may be driven in groups.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of using a dispensersystem using the dispenser system of FIG. 4 according to the presentinvention. In FIG. 5, the substrate 400 having the plurality of imagedisplay parts 413A˜413F formed thereon may be loaded and fixed onto thetable 410 during a step of loading and fixing. Next, the substrate 400may overturned during a step of overturning. Then, the syringes401A˜401C, which have the nozzles 402A˜402C provided end portionsthereof, may supply sealant along outer edges of the image display parts413A˜413F of the overturned substrate 400 to form the seal patterns416A˜416F, while being moved horizontally along forward/backward andleft/right directions during a step of moving syringes to form sealpatterns. Accordingly, since the driving of the syringes 401A˜401C maybe performed within an area of the substrate 400, even though the areaof the substrate 400 increases, a size of the dispenser system forforming the seal patterns 416A˜416F on the substrate 400 may change(i.e., increase or decrease) according to the increased area to thesubstrate 400. In addition, since the syringes may be provided tocorrespond to the total number to the image display parts formed on thesubstrate 400 and may be simultaneously or individually driven to formthe seal patterns, an overall time to form the seal patterns may bereduced as compared to driving the table.

The exemplary seal patterns 416A˜416F (in FIG. 4) formed by thedispenser system may differ in their form according to the method inwhich the liquid crystal layer is formed for the liquid crystal displaypanel. For example, using the vacuum injection method may requireformation of an injection port in the seal patterns 416A˜416F (in FIG.4). However, the vacuum injection method may be problematic. First,since a significant amount of time is required to fill the liquidcrystal material into the liquid crystal display panel, overallfabrication time of the liquid crystal display panel may besignificantly increased. For example, when fabricating a liquid crystaldisplay panel of about 15 inches, about 8 hours are required to fill theliquid crystal display panel with the liquid crystal material. Inaddition, as an overall size of the liquid crystal display panelincreases, time required for filling the liquid crystal materialincreases. Thus, the vacuum injection method may not be adequate forlarge-scale liquid crystal display panels.

Second, significant amounts of the liquid crystal material are wasteddue to the inherent processes for the vacuum injection method. Forexample, actual amounts of the injected liquid crystal material is verysmall compared to amounts of the liquid crystal material filled in thecontainer used to fill the liquid crystal display panels, and when theliquid crystal material is exposed to air or to specific gases, theliquid crystal material may react with the gases and be degraded. Thus,even if large amounts of the liquid crystal material filled in thecontainer is used to fill a plurality of the liquid crystal displaypanels, a relatively significant amount of the liquid crystal materialremaining in the container must be discarded. Accordingly, a unit priceof the liquid crystal display panel would increase.

In order to overcome the problems and disadvantages of the vacuuminjection method, a dropping method has been developed. The droppingmethod includes dropping a liquid crystal material onto a plurality ofthin film transistors fabricated on a first large-scale glass substrateor on a plurality of color filters fabricated on a second large-scaleglass substrate using a dispenser system. Then, the first and secondglass substrates may be attached together to uniformly distribute theliquid crystal material along an entire image display region by applyingpressure to the first and second glass substrates, thereby forming aliquid crystal layer. Since the liquid crystal material may be directlydropped onto either of the first or second glass substrates, the sealpatterns 416A˜416F may be formed as a closed pattern encompassing eachouter edge of the image display parts 413A˜413F, as shown in FIG. 4,thereby preventing leakage of the liquid crystal material. Anultraviolet (UV) hardening sealant may be used to form the seal patterns416A˜416F. Alternatively, a mixture of the ultraviolet hardening sealantand a thermosetting sealant may be applied. In addition, the liquidcrystal material may be dropped within a comparatively short amount oftime as compared to the vacuum injection method. Moreover, although theliquid crystal display panel may have a large size, the liquid crystallayer may be formed quickly between the first and second glasssubstrates, thereby increasing productivity. Thus, an increase in unitprice of the liquid crystal display panel may be prevented.

During the exemplary method of FIG. 5, liquid crystal material droppedonto the substrate 400 prior to the overturning of the substrate mayresult in a flow of the liquid crystal material. Accordingly, the sealpatterns 416A˜416F may be formed on the substrate 400 upon which liquidcrystal material may not be dropped. Alternatively, by using of theultraviolet hardening sealant to form the seal patterns 416A˜416F, flowof the liquid crystal material may not occur although the substrate 400is overturned. For example, the ultraviolet hardening sealant may have aviscosity of about 400,000 cP(centi-Poise), wherein sealants withviscosities of above 100,000 cP(centi-Poise) may not flow in spite ofthe overturning of the substrate 400.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention.In FIG. 6, a dispenser system for a liquid crystal display panel mayinclude a table 510 to overturn a loaded substrate 500 having aplurality of image display parts 513A˜513F formed thereon, and aplurality of syringes 501A˜501C to supply a sealant along outer edges ofthe image display parts 513A˜513F of the overturned substrate 500through nozzles 502A˜502C provided at end portions of the syringes501A˜501C. Accordingly, the syringes 501A˜501C may be used to form theseal patterns 516A˜516F, while the table 510 may remain fixed and thesyringes 501A˜501C may be moved along horizontal directions.

During a method of using the dispenser system of FIG. 6, the substrate500 may be loaded and fixed onto the table 510, and the table 510 may beoverturned and fixed. Then, the syringes 501A˜501C may supply thesealant along the outer edges of the image display parts 513A˜513F ofthe substrate 500 to form the seal patterns 516A˜516F, while thesyringes 501A˜501C may be moved along horizontal forward/backward andleft/right directions. Accordingly, since driving of the syringes501A˜501C may be performed within an area of the substrate 500, althoughthe area of the substrate 500 increases, a size of the dispensing systemfor forming the seal patterns 516A˜516F on the substrate 500 mayincrease in relation to the increased area of the substrate 500.

In FIG. 6, bodies of the syringes 501A˜501C may be positioned below thesubstrate 500 along the horizontal direction parallel of the table 510.In addition, portions of the bodies of the syringes 501A˜501C may bebent toward the substrate 500 so that the nozzles 502A˜502C provided atthe end portions may be positioned at the outer edges of the imagedisplay parts 513A˜513F of the substrate 500. Accordingly, a pressurefor supplying the sealant filled in the syringes 501A˜501C onto thesubstrate 500 through the nozzles 502A˜502C may be reduced, therebyimproving control of the dispensing of the sealant onto the substrate500.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention.In FIG. 7, a dispenser system may include a table 610 disposed along avertical direction, in which a substrate 600 having image display parts613A˜613F formed thereon may be loaded and fixed thereupon. The systemmay further include a plurality of syringes 601A˜601C to supply asealant along outer edges of the image display parts 613A˜613F of thesubstrate 600 through nozzles 602A˜602C, which may be provided at endsof the plurality of syringes 601A˜601C, while the plurality of syringes601A˜601C may be moved along vertical directions relative to thesubstrate 600. The substrate 600 may be a large-scale glass substratehaving a plurality of thin film transistors formed thereon or may be alarge-scale glass substrate having a plurality of color filters formedthereon.

The syringes 601A˜601C may be provided to correspond to a total numberof image display parts 613A˜613F formed on the substrate 600, therebysimultaneously forming the plurality of seal patterns 616A˜616F alongthe outer edges of the image display parts 613A˜613F. For example, ifthe image display parts are formed having a matrix array of an M-numberof lines and an N-number of columns on the substrate 600, an M×N numberarray of syringes may be provided to correspond to the image displayparts. Alternatively, the syringes 601A˜601C may be provided tocorrespond to at least one line or at least one column of the imagedisplay parts having a matrix array of an M-number of lines and anN-number of columns. In addition, the syringes 601A˜601C may be drivensimultaneously, individually, or in groups.

A method for using the dispenser system of FIG. 7 may include loadingand fixing the substrate 600 onto the table 610, wherein the table 600may be positioned along a vertical direction or may be transitioned froma horizontal direction to a vertical direction. Then, the syringes601A˜601C may supply the sealant to form the seal patterns 616A˜616Falong the outer˜edges of the image display parts 613A˜613F of thesubstrate 400 while the syringes 601A˜601C are vertically moved alongforward/backward and left/right directions. Accordingly, since drivingof the syringes 601A˜601C may be performed within an area of thesubstrate 600, although the area of the substrate 600 may increase, asize of the dispenser system for forming the seal patterns 616A˜616F onthe substrate 600 may increase in accordance with the increased area tothe substrate 600.

In addition, since the syringes 601A˜601C may be simultaneously,individually, group driven to form the seal patterns 616A˜616M×N, anoverall time taken for forming the seal patterns 616A˜616E may bereduced. Moreover, although the area of the image display parts613A˜613E may change according to a change of the liquid crystal displaypanel or according to an increase in the area of the substrate 600, thedispenser system and method of using the dispenser system mayeffectively compensate for the changes and increases.

In FIG. 7, the syringes 601A˜601C are positioned along a horizontaldirection at a right angle below a surface of the vertically-alignedsubstrate 600 so that the nozzles 602A˜602C provided at the end portionsof the syringes 601A˜601C may be positioned along an outer edge of theimage display parts 613A˜613F of the substrate 600. Accordingly, since arelatively low amount of pressure may be required for supplying thesealant filled in the syringes 601A˜601C to the outer edges of the imagedisplay parts 613A˜613F of the substrate 600, the sealant supplyingpressure may be easily controlled.

In addition, the seal patterns 616A˜616F may be formed in accordancewith a desired method of providing liquid crystal material, i.e., liquidcrystal injection or dropping methods. Accordingly, the seal patterns616A˜616F may have different configurations. For example, using thevacuum injection method may result in forming the seal patterns616A˜616F to have partial openings, similar to the seal patterns316A˜316F in FIG. 3. Conversely, using the dropping method may result informing the seal patterns 616A˜616F having closed patterns encompassingeach outer edge of the image display parts 613A˜613F, as shown in FIG.7.

When using the dropping method, if the seal patterns 616A˜616F areformed with a thermosetting sealant, the sealant may flow out tocontaminate the dropped liquid crystal material while being heatedduring subsequent processing of the glass substrates. Thus, the sealpatterns 616A˜616F may be formed having an ultraviolet hardening sealantor a mixture of the ultraviolet hardening sealant and a thermosettingsealant.

In FIG. 7, when the substrate 600 is aligned along the verticaldirection, the liquid crystal material dropped onto the substrate 600using the dropping method may flow. Accordingly, the seal patterns616A˜616F may be formed on the substrate 600 where liquid crystalmaterial may not be dropped.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary dispenser systemfor a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention.In FIG. 8, a dispenser system for a liquid crystal display panel mayinclude a table 710, which may vertically stand a substrate 700 havingimage display parts 713A˜713F formed thereon that have been loaded andfixed thereon. The system may also include a plurality of syringes701A˜701C to supply a sealant along outer edges of the image displayparts 713A˜713F of the substrate 700 through nozzles 702A˜702C, whichmay be provided at end portions of the plurality of syringes 701A˜701C,to form seal patterns 716A˜716F. In addition, the plurality of syringes701A˜701C may be moved along vertical directions in relation to thevertically-aligned substrate 700.

During a method of using the dispenser system, the substrate 700 may beloaded and fixed onto the table 710, and the table 710 may be alignedalong the vertical direction and fixed. Then, the syringes 701A˜701C maysupply the sealant while being moved along the vertical forward/backwardand left/right directions, thereby forming the seal patterns 716A˜716Falong the outer edges of the image display parts 713A˜713F of thesubstrate 700. Accordingly, since a driving of the syringes 701A˜701Cmay be performed within an area of the vertically-aligned substrate 700,although the area of the substrate 700 may increase, a size of thedispenser system equipment for forming the seal patterns 716A˜716F onthe substrate 700 may change (i.e., increase or decrease) to correspondto the increased area to the substrate 700.

In FIG. 8, bodies of the syringes 701A˜701C may be positioned below thesubstrate 700 along the vertical direction in parallel to thevertically-aligned substrate 700. In addition, the syringes 701A˜701Cmay be partially bent toward the substrate 700 so that the nozzles702A˜702C may be positioned at the outer edges of the image displayparts 713A˜713F of the substrate 700. Accordingly, a pressure supplyingthe sealant filled in the syringes 701A˜701C on the substrate 700through the nozzles 702A˜702C may be reduced, thereby providing improvedcontrol of the supplied sealant pressure.

FIGS. 9A to 9D are perspective schematic views of an exemplary method ofusing a dispensing system according to the present invention. In FIG.9A, a first plurality of image display parts 813A˜813C having a firstsize and a second plurality of image display parts 813D˜813G having asecond size may be formed on a substrate 800.

In FIG. 9B, the substrate 800, upon which the first image display parts813A˜813C having the first size and the second image display parts813D˜813G having the second size have been formed, may be loaded andfixed on a table 810, which may then be overturned.

In FIG. 9C, a first plurality of syringes 801A˜801C may supply sealantalong outer edges of the first image display parts 813A˜813C having thefirst size of the overturned substrate 800 to form a plurality of firstseal patterns 816A˜816C. In addition, the first plurality of syringes801A˜801C may be moved along horizontal forward/backward and left/rightdirections.

In FIG. 9D, a second plurality of syringes 801D˜801G may supply sealantalong outer edges of the second image display parts 813D˜813G to form aplurality of second seal patterns 816D˜816G. In addition, the secondplurality of syringes 801D˜801G may be moved along the horizontalforward/backward and left/right directions.

In FIGS. 9A–9D, the substrate may be loaded and fixed onto a singletable, which may then be overturned, and the first seal patterns may beformed along outer edges of the first image display parts having thefirst size. Then, the second seal patterns may be formed along outeredges of the second image display parts having the second size. However,two independently driven tables may be used. For example, the substratemay be first loaded and fixed onto a first table, which is thenoverturned, and first seal patterns may formed along the outer edges offirst image display parts having a first size. Then, the substrate maybe loaded and fixed onto a second table, which is then overturned, andsecond seal patterns may be formed along outer edges of second imagedisplay parts having a second size.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the dispenser system for aliquid crystal display panel and method of using a dispenser system ofthe present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of theinventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A dispenser system for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: atable to overturn a substrate having at least one image display part ona first surface of the overturned substrate; and at least one syringesystem to supply sealant onto a first surface of the overturnedsubstrate to form a seal pattern along outer edges of the image displaypart on the first surface of the overturned substrate, wherein the atleast one syringe system moves along horizontal directions.
 2. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein at least one thin film transistorarray substrate is formed on the first surface of the substrate.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein at least one color filter substrateis formed on the first surface of the substrate.
 4. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein a matrix array of image display parts are formed onthe first surface of the substrate and a matrix array of syringe systemsare provided to correspond to the matrix array of image display parts.5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the matrix array of syringesystems are provided to correspond to at least one line or one column ofthe matrix array of image display parts.
 6. The system according toclaim 4, wherein driving of the matrix array of syringe systemscorresponding to the matrix array of image display parts includes one ofsimultaneous driving, individually driving, and grouped driving.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 4, wherein the matrix array of image displayparts includes at least two different sizes.
 8. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the seal pattern includes a partial opening.
 9. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the seal pattern includes a closedpattern encompassing the outer edges of the at least one image displaypart.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the seal patternincludes an ultraviolet hardening sealant.
 11. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the seal pattern includes a mixture of an ultraviolethardening sealant and a thermosetting sealant.
 12. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein a body portion of the at least one syringe ispositioned below the first surface of the substrate along a horizontaldirection parallel to the table and includes a partially bent portionbent toward the first surface of the substrate.
 13. A method of using adispenser system for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: loadingand fixing a substrate on a table; overturning the table and thesubstrate; and supplying sealant from the dispenser system onto a firstsurface of the overturned substrate to form at least one seal pattern.14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the dispenser systemincludes a syringe system for supplying the sealant.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 14, further comprising moving the syringe systemalong horizontal directions parallel to the first surface of theoverturned substrate during the supplying.
 16. A method of dispensingsealant for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: loading andfixing a substrate on a table; overturning the table and the substrate;and supplying sealant from a dispenser system onto a first surface ofthe overturned substrate to form at least one seal pattern.
 17. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein the dispenser system includes asyringe system for supplying the sealant.
 18. The method according toclaim 17, further comprising moving the syringe system along horizontaldirections parallel to the first surface of the overturned substrateduring the supplying.
 19. A method for fabricating a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) device, comprising: providing a first substrate and asecond substrate; loading and fixing the first substrate on a table;overturning the first substrate; supplying a sealant from a dispensersystem onto a first surface of the overturned first substrate to form aseal pattern; and attaching the first and second substrates to eachother.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the dispensersystem includes a syringe system.
 21. The method according to claim 20,further comprising moving the syringe system along horizontal directionsparallel to the first surface of the overturned substrate during thesupplying.
 22. The method according to claim 19, wherein at least onethin film transistor array is formed on the first surface of the firstsubstrate.
 23. The method according to claim 19, wherein at least onecolor filter layer is formed on the first surface of the substrate. 24.The method according to claim 19, further comprising forming a matrixarray of image display parts on the first surface of the substrate andproviding a matrix array of syringe systems to correspond to the matrixarray of image display parts.
 25. The method according to claim 24,wherein the matrix array of syringe systems are provided to correspondto at least one line or one column of the matrix array of image displayparts.
 26. The method according to claim 24, further comprisingsimultaneously driving the matrix array of syringe systems correspondingto the matrix array of image display parts.
 27. The method according toclaim 24, further comprising individually driving the matrix array ofsyringe systems corresponding to the matrix array of image displayparts.
 28. The method according to claim 24, further comprisinggroup-driving the matrix array of syringe systems corresponding to thematrix array of image display parts.
 29. The method according to claim24, wherein the matrix array of image display parts includes at leasttwo different sizes.
 30. The method according to claim 19, wherein theseal pattern includes a partial opening.
 31. The method according toclaim 24, wherein the seal pattern includes a closed patternencompassing outer edges of the at least one image display part.
 32. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the seal pattern includes anultraviolet hardening sealant.
 33. The method according to claim 19,wherein the seal pattern includes a mixture of an ultraviolet hardeningsealant and a thermosetting sealant.